cheap: Turning Your Bathroom into a Spa - 07/09/08 11:10 AM
A trip to the spa is always a wonderful experience. Both mind and body get pampered, and the lavish treatment leaves one feeling very special.  But a spa treatment can be costly. When the bills come in and the frequent visits to the spa are translated in figures, the word extravagance just might become an issue.
To lower the bills and enjoy spa at the same time, go to your bathroom and get creative. Look at your bathroom in the perspective of a spa. Many things that make the spa a soothing and relaxing place can also be arranged in your … (4 comments)

cheap: Bathroom Design Tips - 06/25/08 09:45 AM
One of the most utilitarian rooms in the home, the bathroom often gets overlooked when decorating.  However, a great bathroom with ample and creative storage and a strong sense of personal style can bring an extra bit of pampering to your daily life.  And who doesn't want that? 
Storage: Make sure you have plenty of storage in the bathroom, since this will create the feel of a well designed room.  Under-the-sink storage, over-the-sink storage, cabinets, over-the-toilet storage, and shower storage all offer plenty of options for tucking those unsightly bathroom necessities out of sight.  The creative use of kitchen canisters, wall … (2 comments)

cheap: How to Create More Storage Space in the Bathroom - 06/16/08 08:51 AM
The bathroom is often a small room with a big clutter problem, and it can be a challenge to deal with its space limitations.  To conquer this problem, first get rid of as much as you can, and then explore some of the following options for the rest of your bathroom necessities.
Over-the-Sink Storage: Medicine cabinets are no longer the only option for over-the-sink storage.  Wall-mounted cabinets, wall-mounted racks, and open shelving can all replace the extremely shallow and often insufficient storage space of the medicine cabinet.  Think you'll miss the mirror?  Just use a wall-mounted extension mirror like this one … (1 comments)

cheap: Have Bike, Will Travel - 05/02/08 07:31 AM
Spring is just about the most beautiful time in D.C.  The sun is shining, the cherry blossoms are in bloom, summer humidity hasn't kicked in yet, and it's light out past 5:00 pm.  One of the best ways to see DC in the spring (or any time of the year) is by bike.  You don't have to fight traffic or the sometimes unreliable Metro service and you can get some exercise while seeing the sights.  However most people don't own a bike simply because they wouldn't use it often enough.  The Smart Bike program may change that and bring bikes to … (3 comments)

cheap: Moveable Feast: A Taste of D.C. Walking Tour - 05/02/08 07:17 AM
Discover Washington D.C. by foot and delight in the food shops and restaurants that give flavor to the capital's favorite tales of gastronomic history. Along the way, learn about the inaugural party turned food fight and the quiet milestone in civil rights by racial equality advocate Mary Church Teller.
By foot and Metro hops, visit a café specializing in teas of the world, pick selections at a gourmet take-out market, walk-in at a Chinese sundries shop, stop at a diner famous for its chili and half-smokes, and enjoy a dessert course at a café/bakery by DC's Food Network celebrity.
Bring extra … (0 comments)

cheap: Beyond the Mall - 04/15/08 09:54 AM
When you think of visiting museums in DC, you may automatically think of the museums lining the National Mall.  With spring well on its way, tourist season is upon us and the thought of fighting your way through the crowds is enough to make anyone want to stay home.  Well believe it or not, D.C. has plenty of fun and interesting museums to offer that aren't located on the Mall, which makes them less likely to fall prey to the normal tourist's itinerary.  We list a few of the best museums DC has to offer - there's bound to be at … (0 comments)

cheap: Duke Ellington's D.C. Walking Tour - 04/07/08 08:05 AM
What better way to celebrate the birthday of famous jazz master Duke Ellington than to have a walking tour of his birthplace? Born on April 29, 1899, Edward Kennedy Ellington grew up on U Street, Washington's Black Broadway where the great African American entertainers headlined.
On his birthday weekend, we'll visit the houses where Ellington spent his childhood, including one in historic Le Droit Park. We will also visit other elegantly restored landmarks like the gilded Lincoln Theatre and the Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage which is home to the nation's first black YMCA. Next will be nearby Howard … (0 comments)

cheap: Strange Name, Good Sandwiches - 04/04/08 09:26 AM
Booeymonger on 3265 Prospect St. NW in Washington may have a silly restaurant name and just as silly sandwich names but they're serious about food. The price is cheap, but the sandwiches are tasty and won't leave your stomach grumbling an hour after eating.
At Booeymonger, special orders are the specialty. Don't want alfalfa sprouts on the Scheherazade? No problem. Hold the avocado on the Pita Pan? Absolutely! Or you can just customize your own sandwich, from scratch, and pair it with one of the 10 side dishes. With so many delicious, reasonably priced creations, it's hard to go wrong.
Try … (3 comments)

cheap: Eleanor Roosevelt's Washington - 04/02/08 10:50 AM
Eleanor Roosevelt was a truly incredible woman, and I often pull from her wisdom to get through my own life, reminding myself that nobody can make me feel inferior with my consent, or that old bodies are works of art.  Her speaking skills, strong leadership, and revolutionary nature reinvented the role of First Lady and still inspire common people today.  It was for good reason that she was known as "First Lady of the World."
Mrs. Roosevelt fought for consumer welfare, civil rights, improved housing, and women's rights.  She was a prolific writer, a respected speaker, the recipient of 35 honorary degrees, … (0 comments)

cheap: Adams Morgan - It's Not Just for Weekends - 03/26/08 09:07 AM
Although many of you may know Adams Morgan only as a place to hit the bars on the weekends, it has just as much to offer during the week.  Next Tuesday, April 2 (and the first Tuesday of every month) is First Tuesday.  Sponsored by the AdamsMorgan MainStreet Group, the event features special dining and shopping deals.  Food and drinks for two will only cost you $25 plus tax at participating restaurants.  And some retailers are offering 10 to 30 percent discounts. 
It's a perfect opportunity to enjoy Adams Morgan without the crowds.  For a list of participating restaraunts and retailers, … (1 comments)

cheap: A Bench at the Foot of the Bed - 03/10/08 10:06 AM

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A bench at the foot of the bed is a real luxury. You can use it as a step-stool, a storage spot, extra seating, or just a nice detail for a room.
The super-low-slung bench shown in the top image is via Bo Concept. We like the idea of using it to take off your shoes and step into bed.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 This bedroom by Martha Angus shows a cool twist on the classic pair of X-benches at the end of the bed.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cute for a kid's room or a twin bed: the End of Bed Bench from Pottery Barn Kids, $99.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A storage bench can … (0 comments)

cheap: Habitat ReStore – Saving You Money and Helping the Community - 03/07/08 08:34 AM
In our recent post about the Capital Home & Garden Show, we mentioned donating items to the Habitat ReStore.  The ReStore (7770-A Richmond Highway, Alexandria) is such a great place, we thought we would tell you a little more about it.
ReStore is a resale business that sells new and gently used building materials and home improvement items to the general public.  All of the materials are donated by local retail businesses, building contractors, suppliers and individuals and are sold at prices 50-90% below retail.  The Alexandria ReStore contains 16,000 sq. ft. of items including new or almost new appliances, top-of-the line carpet … (3 comments)

cheap: Saturday Night Go Karts Party - 03/05/08 04:41 AM
On your mark, get set, go!
Looking for a good way to exhaust that competitive nature?  Are you up for some blood pumping adrnealine?  I have an activity that will be right up your alley - racing alley...
Saturday night is go kart racing night!  You can race your friends, co-workers or significant others on some of the most extreme go karts in the world.  These karts possess 6.5 horsepower, 4-stroke Honda engines with a racing inspired steering wheel.  They allow you to burn out of the starting gate, turn without hesitation and careen around the hair-pin corners.  These karts are certainly not … (0 comments)

cheap: Dolcezza Will Be Making Parking Even Harder in Bethesda - 03/04/08 04:57 AM
Dolcezza, the charming little gelataria in Washington D.C. will soon be expanding.  They will be opening up a second store on Bethesda road in April of 2008.  The gelateria will be competing against the already well known and established local frozen delight vendors - Ben & Jerry's, Haagen Dazs, Gifford's and, in the summer, Clayboy's Shaved Ice.
Dolcezza specializes in making small batches of handmade gelato on a daily basis.  They only use the best available ingredients: local fruits, herbs, cheese, milk and cream.  They support local farmers, hand squeeze the citrus ingredients, grind the spices and roast the nuts all … (0 comments)

cheap: Calling All Wine Lovers - 02/29/08 04:03 AM
For all of you wine aficionados or those of you who just enjoy a nice bottle with dinner, the 9th Annual Washington D.C. International Wine and Food Festival comes to town this weekend.  From February 29th through March 2nd, the Ronald Regan International Trade Center (1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW) will play host to the event.  This year's festival features a focus on the Chesapeake region, with food and wine experts presenting "A Taste of the Chesapeake."
The weekend event features more than 1,000 wines from 200 wineries along with food from some of D.C.'s best restaurants.  The festival kicks off with a … (0 comments)

cheap: Spring Has Sprung (Well, Almost)... - 02/22/08 06:19 AM
Despite the dreary D.C. weather we are having right now, spring is right around the corner.  For many people, that means getting started on all of those household projects you have been putting off all winter.  If your place is in need of some spring sprucing and you are in search of a little inspiration, this weekend's Capital Home & Garden Show may be right up your alley. 
From February 21 - 24, the Dulles Expo Center will be home to the show which is focused on the latest in home remodeling, gardening and much, much more.  If visiting rows and … (0 comments)

cheap: And the Oscar Goes to... - 02/21/08 03:49 AM
With the writer's strike finally over, it is time to celebrate with the 80th Annual Academy Awards.  Although D.C. is a long way from the bright lights of Hollywood, that doesn't mean that those inside the Beltway have to be left out of the celebration this Sunday night.  Whether you are interested in watching the nominated films or just catching the ceremony and red carpet extravaganza with friends, there are plenty of events coming up to celebrate all things Oscar!
•      All this week, E. Street Cinema (555 11th St. NW) is screening this year's nominees for best live-action short film and … (3 comments)

cheap: Green Living: Natural Decor Better For Earth And Your Wallet? - 02/15/08 11:09 AM
by Phoebe Chongchua
Sellers are looking for ways to get the most for their homes and buyers, of course, are looking for the best value. The a flowing floor plan, a spacious layout, a not-so-crowded street, great curb appeal, low HOA or planned community fees, etc. are certainly big influencers for buyers. But so, too, are some of the items in your home that you might not give much consideration.
A changing environment and more talk of all the trash that's filling up our landfills is causing more people to go green by using recycled goods or products that are renewable and … (0 comments)

cheap: 5 Ways to Make a Small, Dark Room Feel Larger - 02/13/08 03:23 AM

Apartment Therapy
February 7, 2008 
If you live in a small, dark apartment, there are ways to lighten the space and open it up.
In general, light walls make a small room feel larger. This image is from  Victor and Soeun's Loft from Small Cool 2007. There are exceptions to this rule: a dark accent wall can bring definition and scale to a small space and bright colors can definitely help to enliven a small room. Unless you're going for a cloistered, cozy feeling avoid dark chocolate browns on all four walls.
If you can paint the floor white, it's a good trick for making … (3 comments)

cheap: Fairfax Programs Help to Improve House Conditon - 02/08/08 11:03 AM
By Ann Cameron Siegal
Special to The Washington Post Saturday, January 12, 2008; Page F01
Fairfax City is attempting to lessen the move-or-improve quandary that many homeowners face when their residences no longer fit their needs.
Whether residents are expanding their families, aging in place or working from home, several programs that go beyond those offered by other local governments are available to help people stay put. "These programs are targeted towards homes that need a little extra love," said Danielle Easter, executive director of the Fairfax Renaissance Housing Corporation.
Residents can tackle functional obsolescence, improve curb appeal, add a bathroom … (0 comments)

 

B. Robert

Urban Discoveries Living

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